So, the 3H Bund - a classic for me for its tough and utilitarian appearance - but these models are now destined to be worn not for their intended purpose any longer, and just a nice (all be in only some peoples eyes) dive watch. Oh how I wish for one that can be used properly!!
I was aware that there rumors of a civilian version - non 3H dial, non fixed lugs, uni-directional bezel - but apart from seeing a small low resolution picture once, had been under the impression it didn't exist, and as I'd seen on online market places, I figured the rumor was a good method for forgers to redial Squale watches, in the hope that the thickness of the case wouldn't be noticed.
Then the Blanpain exhibition revielled one! so not such a rumor after all!
Without stating the obvious, the military issued one on the left, has seen a much harder life, as will be seen in all the photos that follow!! I believe thier ages to be similar-ish, although the civilian is absolutely immaculate - the time that the lume will last for after charging is the same as the 3H - pretty much non existant!
Remeber what I said about the hard life for the military issue - the edges are considerably more worn than the civilian. As Brian had said once he finished his search, he had found the absolute cleanest example he could!! And it is very very clean. You will probably see white spots on some of the shots of the dial. This is fluff / dust, didn't notice until after downloading the photos!! Typical!
Stacked on top of each other. I love the fixed strap bars of the 3H!!
And a view from the 9 o'clock side, just give you all angles!!
This side by side gives you a good comparrison of the dials and hands.
More shots with the dreaded dust!!!and yes, crowns are out, neither watch wound up! How did I get the seconds to light up I hear you ask, well the 3H has a neat trick, with just a slight wiggle to get the second habd going, you can make it go backwards by turning the crown to move the hands anticlockwise!! Probably not a good trick, and an indication that its well worn, but, hey ho!!
So, lets head inside.....
OOoohhhh, nice. Well, admittidly not as nice as an AS, but still.... Military issue on the left, with the reference to its Bundeswher military spec stamped on the oscilliating weight. Oh, and missing a retaining screw for the movement ring!
Lovely pair of ETA 2873s
And to finish off, a shot of the straps I'm currently using them on.
The Military issue is gaining time - about 1 1/2 minutes a day, and the civilian is just fine.
Now I've taken some photos of its internals, thats the o-ring greased, back screwed on nice and tight. Next stop, get a wee pressure test and then its ready to use. And use for its intended purpose too!!